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Underwood Ammo
Underwood 9mm Makarov Xtreme Penetrator 95gr Copper Solid Monolithic Ammo
$77.34 - $309.36
9mm Makarov Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
9mm Makarov: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Pistol |
| Primer Type | Small Pistol |
| Used For | Military, Law Enforcement, Self-Defense |
| Case Design | Rimless, Straight |
| Year Introduced | 1951 |
9mm Makarov: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Compact size suitable for concealed carry
- ✔ Moderate recoil for easier control
- ✔ Good penetration for its size
- ✔ Reliable feeding and extraction
- ✔ Widely used in Eastern European countries
Cons
- ✘ Limited stopping power compared to larger calibers
- ✘ Less common in Western countries, affecting ammunition availability
- ✘ Lower capacity in standard magazines compared to modern 9x19mm
- ✘ Limited variety of ammunition types
- ✘ Less effective for long-range shooting
9mm Makarov: A Comprehensive Overview
The 9mm Makarov, also known as 9x18mm Makarov or 9mm PM, is a pistol cartridge developed by the Soviet Union in 1946. It was designed for use in the Makarov PM pistol, which served as the standard sidearm for Soviet and Warsaw Pact armed forces. The 9mm Makarov offers a balance between power and controllability, making it suitable for close-quarters combat and personal defense.
History and Development
The 9mm Makarov cartridge was developed in the Soviet Union after World War II as part of a project to create a new service pistol. It was designed by Boris V. Semin in 1946, with the goal of replacing the 7.62x25mm Tokarev round. The new cartridge was intended to be more compact and have less recoil while still maintaining adequate stopping power.
The 9mm Makarov was specifically tailored for use in the Makarov PM (Pistolet Makarova) pistol, designed by Nikolai Makarov. This pistol-cartridge combination was adopted as the standard sidearm for Soviet military and police forces in 1951, replacing the TT-33 pistol chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev.
Throughout the Cold War, the 9mm Makarov saw widespread use across the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries. Its compact size and moderate recoil made it popular among military personnel, law enforcement officers, and security forces. The cartridge's effectiveness in close-quarters combat situations contributed to its longevity in service.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, many former Soviet republics and Eastern European countries continued to use weapons chambered in 9mm Makarov. The cartridge also gained some popularity in the civilian market, particularly in countries where it was readily available due to military surplus.
Today, while largely superseded by more modern cartridges in military and law enforcement use, the 9mm Makarov remains in service in some countries and continues to have a following among civilian shooters, particularly for its historical significance and use in surplus firearms.
Timeline of 9mm Makarov Development and Usage:
9mm Makarov Performance Characteristics
The 9mm Makarov offers specific performance characteristics that have made it suitable for military and law enforcement use. Here's a breakdown of its key performance attributes:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | 9.27mm (0.365 inches) Slightly larger than 9mm Parabellum (9x19mm) |
| Case Length | 18mm Shorter than 9mm Parabellum (19mm) |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 95-100 grains Most common loadings use 95-grain bullets |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,000-1,050 fps Varies based on specific load and barrel length |
| Muzzle Energy | 210-240 ft-lbs Lower than 9mm Parabellum but adequate for close-range defense |
| Effective Range | 50 meters Optimal for close-quarters combat and personal defense |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common 9mm Makarov loads.
9mm Makarov: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for 9mm Makarov ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (meters) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Military/Law Enforcement | 0-50 | Effective for close-quarters combat and urban environments |
| Self-Defense | 0-25 | Suitable for personal protection scenarios |
| Target Shooting | 0-75 | Accurate for recreational shooting at moderate distances |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, and specific firearm characteristics. The 9mm Makarov is known for its compact size and moderate recoil, making it suitable for concealed carry and close-range applications. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for 9mm Makarov
The 9mm Makarov's compact size and moderate power make it suitable for several applications:
9mm Makarov Caliber Comparisons
To understand the 9mm Makarov's place in the handgun world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
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9mm Makarov Sectional Density Comparison
The 9mm Makarov is a pistol cartridge developed by the Soviet Union. This table compares the sectional density of common 9mm Makarov loads.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| 9mm Makarov FMJ | 95 | 0.160 |
| 9mm Makarov JHP | 94 | 0.158 |
| 9mm Makarov +P FMJ | 95 | 0.160 |
| 9mm Makarov +P JHP | 95 | 0.160 |
| 9mm Makarov Subsonic | 115 | 0.193 |
Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The 9mm Makarov has a bullet diameter of 0.365 inches. Higher sectional density can contribute to better penetration, but factors like velocity and bullet construction also significantly impact overall performance.